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May 18, 2024

Best Summit Hikes in the Kootenays

Conquering a peak is not just an experience, it’s an exhibition of raw exhilaration and breath-taking 360° views. This is not a mere walk in the park, it’s a badge of honour demonstrating unmatched stamina. Feel your heart race, your calves burn – for in the challenge, lies the thrill!

Taking that final step, reaching the peak where no higher ground exists – it is an achievement like no other. It kindles a profound sense within us, unmatched by anything we’ve ever experienced. Some might say it’s the reward of an unrestricted view, while others argue it’s the triumphant feeling of vanquishing the forces of nature.

I stand by a simple motto, “Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise,” no matter the vertical height, we’re scaling it. Remember, the adventure lies in the journey and not the destination. So buckle up and conquer the “top 10 peaks” in the Kootenays. The mountains are calling; should we keep them waiting?

#1 – IDAHO PEAK IN THE SLOCAN VALLEY

Idaho Peak can be accessed via the Wakefield Trail, near Silverton.  This 14+ km (round-trip) is generally considered a challenging route, as it takes an average of 9+ hours to complete.  The views of the Slocan Valley are spectacular and worth the trek. 

(The easier route, via Sandon, to the trailhead, a 2-km hike to the peak, is not accessible, as the road has been washed out and remains closed.)

The summit of Idaho Peak in the Sloan Valey; photo by Kari Medig

#2 – MT. BEGBIE SUMMIT IN REVELSTOKE

This hike is a rite of passage in Revelstoke. Views are limited on the way up but you will be rewarded when you reach the top.

Mt. Begbie Summit near Revelstoke; photo by Eric Hansen

#3 – MT. BURGESS IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK

This standalone peak rises over the iconic Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Treat yourself to a stay in the historic Emerald Lake Lodge or luxurious Cathedral Mountain Lodge to recount your feat.

Mt. Burgess Summit; photo by Destination BC

#4 – OLD GLORY IN ROSSLAND

The mountain that dominates all others in the Rossland region used to have a house on top that functioned as a weather station.

Old Glory Summit; photo by Ryan Flett

#5 – MT. CARLYLE/CARPENTER PASS TRAIL

The land around Carlyle was famous for silver mining back in the late 1800’s and you will still find old mining equipment to this day on this steep, scrambling hike.

#6 – MT. THOMPSON RIM TRAIL IN CRESTON

Views are expansive on both sides, stretching from the southern tip of Kootenay Lake to the north, and well past the US border to the south. It is as close to an aerial view of the Creston Valley as you can find without knowing a pilot.

Hiking up the Mt. Thompson Rim Trail; photo by Mitch Winton

#7 – THREE SISTERS IN FERNIE

This hike in Fernie has it all; easy walking through cedar forests, alpine meadows and views from the peak that will make you want to keep exploring.

#8 – LOKI PEAK NEAR KASLO

One of the most accessible high peaks in the West Kootenays (near Kaslo). This one will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

Mt. Loki; Photo by Chris Wheeler

#9 – FISHER PEAK NEAR CRANBROOK

Fisher Peak dominates the skyline above Cranbrook. At 2,886m, this 1,400m vertical hike isn’t for the faint at heart.

Hiking up Fisher Peak; photo by Kari Medig

#10 – PULPIT ROCK IN NELSON

Across the lake from Nelson is this quick grind of a hike that affords an excellent view of the community and Kootenay Lake. Not enough? Continue up to the Flagpole to get an even higher view.

Pulpit Rock with views of Nelson & Kootenay Lake; Photo by Dave Heath

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